Remembering Award Winning Artist, Darrell Troppy, Texas State '80

By Dalton Lee, Baldwin Wallace ’11

Beaumont, Texas utility box, painted by Darrell Troppy.

Taking a stroll through the city of Beaumont, Texas can offer a wide array of beautiful sights and views. Bordering the Neches River offers scenic river walks, the illuminated archway to Crockett Street welcomes patrons to a bustling downtown, but perhaps the most stunning attraction in all of Beaumont is the utility boxes. Yes, you read that last sentence correctly. Strewn throughout the city are an assortment of uniquely painted utility boxes, which may typically be eye sores, and turn them into works of art. Abstract portraits of flowers, cityscapes, night skies, and a plethora of other stunning works accent the already breathtaking Texas town. The Beaumont art community, and we as an organization mourn the loss of the revered artist behind these creations, Darrell Troppy, Texas State ’80. Troppy passed away on December 25th, 2021, and is survived by husband, Eddie Bates.  

From 12newsnow feature on Darrell Troppy.

The renowned artist touched not only the city of Beaumont, but the entire world. Featured in the KBR Tower in Houston, Texas; showcased at The Art Connection Gallery in Palm Springs, California; and even appeared on an episode of House Hunters, displaying the piece “Paris After Dark” form his “Roaming” collection. Specializing in the encaustic approach to creating art, Troppy would use unique mediums— such as beeswax— to create masterpieces that caught the eyes of collectors at home and abroad. In 2014, Troppy was the only American artist invited to participate in the Carrousel Eastern and Western International Art Exhibit in Paris, France at The Louvre. This trip across the pond netted Troppy an award for “Most Creative Artist” and three certificates for “Outstanding Accomplishments” in a variety of categories.  

Image taken from Troppy’s memorial page.

A true creative at heart, Troppy was quoted as saying, “It’s [art] the one thing that I know that has never left me. If you locked me up I would find a way to do something artistic, perhaps paint on the floor? It never leaves you. You’d become less whole. I think every artist experiences this feeling more than once in their life. You pray, you wish and you hope that feeling never leaves you – the passion that wakes you, the driving force and the reason you exist.” 

With an outpouring on Troppy’s memorial page, it’s clear that he not only impacted the artistic community but had a lasting impact on all those with the honor of knowing him. We send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Darrell Troppy, and are honored to have had such an exceptional person be part of our organization.  

Memorial contributions may be made to: https://yimbygeorgia.org 

Phi Tau's Resident Stuntman

By Dalton Lee, Baldwin Wallace ’11

Known for being one of the most prestigious awards in the film and television industry, The Screen Actors Guild Awards celebrated its 27th ceremony this past year. For alumni of the Kappa Chapter in Kentucky, one notable nominee may sound familiar. Kyle Weishaar, Kentucky ’03 was nominated alongside the stunt ensemble for their work on the 2020 Disney hit, Mulan. This live-action remake and its talented stunt team garnered a SAG nomination for Outstanding Action Performance. No stranger to the SAG Awards, Weishaar and his stunt ensemble from the 2011 film, X-Men: First Class received a nomination in the same category during the 2012 ceremony.  

Image taken from People Magazine article featuring Kyle Weishaar and Laura Wiggins (2018)

With a flourishing career that spans over the last decade, fellow alumni, their families, and friends can see more of Weishaar’s work in notable hits like the 2021 film Don’t Look Up, John Wick: Chapter 3- Parabellum, and two separate collaborations with the Marvel Cinematic Universe—Thor: The Dark World and Wandavision. Career achievements are far from the only cause of celebration in the life of Kyle Weishaar; he and his wife, Laura Wiggins, welcomed their first child into the world earlier this year. Weishaar and Wiggins, a successful actor in her own right, most notably known for her role in Shameless, both have projects slated to release in the coming years. With new additions to the family and thriving careers, we send our best to the couple and wish them continued success and happiness.  

Weishaar at the Kappa Centennial Celebration.

Weishaar, staying loyal to his college and his chapter, recently attended Kappa’s Centennial Celebration and House Unveiling this past October.  

Serious Initiatives

By Lilly Steger

This article was originally featured in the 2020-2021 Annual Report issue of the Laurel. To read the full issue click here. To opt in to receiving The Laurel click here.

Mike Rosser, Colorado State ’61 - National SeriousFun Advisor

 At the 64th National Convention last July, Phi Kappa Tau formally established a new volunteer role; the National SeriousFun Advisor. Championed by National President Dale Holland, Kent State ’87, the SeriousFun Advisor role is meant to establish an ongoing national volunteer position to push and develop SeriousFun initiatives within the Fraternity.  

The first person to hold the new National SeriousFun Advisor position is Mike Rosser, Colorado State ’61. “My goal is to build a campaign that will energize undergraduate members and alumni to volunteer at the camps as well as financially support Newman’s legacy,” Mike said. 

One of Mike’s primary goals is to develop the relationship between undergraduates and SeriousFun by getting them more involved. “For undergraduate purposes, it’s a great opportunity to work with a good organization and get medical exposure,” Mike said. “My wife – she’s a doctor – she’s looked at so many intern applications over the years. Working at SeriousFun always catches her eye.”  

Campers on a high ropes course.

The myriad of opportunities SeriousFun offers to undergraduates is a serious consideration in why undergraduates should consider applying to volunteer. “You learn exposure on the ground of the challenges people have,” Mike explained. “It’s so beneficial for so many careers – pre-med, any biological science, psychology, psychiatry, you name it.” 

But SeriousFun is much more than a career opportunity. For Mike, it’s something he would have directly benefited from as a boy. “I was born with a congenital club foot,” he shared. “The camps I went to in the late 40s and early 50s were not accommodating to someone with a handicap. I had a good experience, but I personally know and understand the benefits of a program like SeriousFun.”  

Mike took a trip to his nearest camp earlier this year – Roundup River Ranch in Gypsum, CO. “Roundup River Ranch really blew me away the first time I went,” Mike shared. “It’s a remarkable program and the people that work there are great. They’re helpful, engaged, and enthusiastic. It’s a remarkable program to be involved with.”  

A rock painted by a camper.

The long-term benefit is how SeriousFun pushes challenges kids and builds their confidence. “Every time you fail and go after it again is a lesson. Pretty soon, you know how to conquer that challenge,” Mike said. “Those things build on themselves.”  

“I am overwhelmed by the depth and the breadth of the organization and what they do for children with various illnesses and physical handicaps,” Mike said of SeriousFun.  

Mike wants to highlight a lifelong commitment not just to Phi Tau, but to SeriousFun as well. “It’s our commitment as part of our national philanthropy,” he said. “These camps need people, even if it’s washing dishes. It’s a great opportunity to get out and help. We can help both our young men and the children at SeriousFun.”  

Visit phikappatau.org/philanthropy or seriousfun.org for more information.  

Tips for End of Year Giving

By Foundation Director, Charles T. Ball, Miami ‘82

Undergraduate members at Leadership Academy

At the Phi Kappa Tau Foundation, we can help you think strategically about how you give and how to make our community a better place. We work to ensure that your donations make the greatest impact on the causes you care about, such as giving directly to your chapter, while maximizing your tax advantages. Even with the increased standard deduction, there are still tax-wise ways you can give to your favorite causes.

1. To mail a check, simply make it payable to the Phi Kappa Tau Foundation and make sure it’s postmarked by December 31 to receive a 2021 charitable tax deduction. Checks may be mailed to the Foundation at 5221 Morning Sun Road, Oxford, OH 45056.

2. Gifts can be made through December 31 at our simple online giving portal www.phikappatau.org/give. Make a one-time gift, or even better, sign up for a recurring monthly gift. Just five or ten dollars a month can add up and you can join the Ewing Boles Society for as little as $83.34 per month.

3. Consider a gift of appreciated stock or mutual funds. If you have stocks or other publicly traded securities that are worth more than what you paid for them, consider using these for your charitable giving this year. Appreciated stock and mutual funds can offer a more cost-efficient deduction, based on current fair market value, not your cost basis. The Foundation can accept marketable securities of any kind. We recommend initiating year-end mutual fund and stock gifts as soon as possible. Click here for instructions on stock gifts.

4. Give in someone's honor or memory.

Donate in lieu of a holiday gift. Whether it's to our Brotherhood Fund or one of our other funds, be sure your gift is postmarked or submitted online by 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 31. We at the Phi Kappa Tau Foundation hope you have a happy and safe holiday season.

For additional questions on end of year giving please contact cball@phikappatau.org.

A True Philanthropist: An Overview on Paul Newman

By Raymond Matthews, Longwood ’19 for The Undergraduate Journal

Newman on a River Boat in Venice 1963

As years go by, current undergraduate members may be less and less familiar with the legacy of Paul Newman, Ohio ’43. In this edition of the Undergraduate Journal I hope to give some insight from a broad perspective into the acting and philanthropic career of brother Newman.

Paul Leonard Newman was a phenomenal man of distinction. Newman was very talented in multiple different areas of interest which varied greatly.

He is perhaps best known for his disciplines within entrepreneurship, race-car driving, film directing, acting, and most importantly his philanthropic works within the United States. Newman has always had an interest within the world of theatre which led him to become a professional actor.

His first known part within a play was as a jester in a school performance for Robin Hood when he was only seven years old. This created further determination for Newman as he was a prominent performer and recognized alumni for the, “Cleveland PlayHouses Curtain Pullers”, a theatre program in which he performed at ten years old. Furthermore, Newman attended Ohio University in Athens, Ohio for a short time, where he initiated into the Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity in 1943 before leaving to join the US Military and serve during World War II.

After the war, in the 1950’s, is when Paul Newman’s acting career took off. He appeared in such critically acclaimed films as Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Cool Hand Luke, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, and The Color of Money for which he received his first Academy Award for Best Actor after being nominated seven times.

Newman with Campers

Newman also had a tremendous aspiration for philanthropy. Later in his career Newman co-funded a camp which was for children who were chronically ill, “The Hole in the Wall Camp”, named after the gang in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. This was a residential summer camp located inAshford, Connecticut, which was founded in 1988. The camps are designed to be fully accessible to children facing life threatening illnesses, including medical staff to address any particular needs.

Historically, the Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity embraced Newman’s Hole in the Wall Camp as their national philanthropy. This initial camp has grown to include Hole in the Wall Camps within the United States, Ireland, Israel, and France. The Hole in the Wall Camps are now formally recognized as SeriousFun Children's Network.

Newman Promoting Newman’s Own Salad Dressing

Paul Newman has proceeded to establish philanthropic work for establishments such as The Mirror Theatre Ltd, Catholic Relief Services, Kenyon College, Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy, and the Newman’s Own Foundation. “Newman’s Own”, of course, is a brand you can still see commonly in most grocery stores where all profits after tax are donated to the Newman’s Own Foundation.

Paul Newman was recognized as the Most Generous Celebrity of 2008. Brother Newman truly had a heart for those around them, and had a soul which put a smile on everyone’s face. He passed away in 2008 at the age of 84. Paul Newman is a man of distinction when it comes to the values and principles in which we all constitute as Brothers of the Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity.

The Undergraduate Journal is a recurring column within Phi Kappa Tau News, covering topics of undergraduate interest to promote current chapters. If you would like to contribute to the Undergraduate Journal or have your chapter featured contact communications@phikappatau.org.

Phi Kappa Tau Closes Beta Lambda Chapter at Indiana University – Bloomington

For Immediate Release

Subject: Phi Kappa Tau Closes Beta Lambda Chapter at Indiana University – Bloomington

December 18, 2021 – Oxford, OH

Following an investigation into credible complaints regarding significant hazing, harassment and conduct related to academic dishonesty, the Phi Kappa Tau National Council, and the Indiana University Office of the Vice Provost for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, have mutually agreed to close the Phi Kappa Tau chapter at Indiana University. 

The investigation was conducted by the IU Conduct Office and members of the Phi Kappa Tau Executive Office team.  The IUPD continue to investigate allegations against the chapter and the members.  This decision is in the interest of the health, safety, and wellbeing of the chapter members and the campus community.  The chapter will be eligible to return to campus in August 2026 upon meeting Fraternity and IU requirements.  

About Phi Kappa Tau:

Founded in 1906 at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, Phi Kappa Tau is a national fraternity that focuses on developing men of character into men of distinction.  The Fraternity has more 100,000 initiates throughout the past 115 years of operation.  Learn more at www.phikappatau.org 

"Not Exactly a Household Name" - The Lasting Impact of Giving

A Q & A with National Councilor Ray Carlos, Cal State Fullerton ’01

National Councilor Ray Carlos, Cal State Fullerton ’01

In 2003 a letter was sent out on behalf of the Phi Kappa Tau Foundation penned by John Green, Nebraska Wesleyan '60, regarding Leadership Academy and how giving to the Foundation supports up-in-coming leaders. In that letter an undergraduate member who had recently attended the academy was mentioned. The letter begins with, “Raymond Carlos. Not exactly a household name.” It then goes into detail about the impact the academy had on Ray Carlos, Cal State Fullerton ’01, and the other participants in the academy. 

Almost 20 years later and Ray Carlos now sits on the National Council of Phi Kappa Tau. Lessons gained from his Leadership Academy experience lead him to become increasing more involved with Phi Kappa Tau immediately upon his graduation. We decided to catch up with Ray as he reflects on the letter and the impact of the Phi Kappa Tau Foundation. (You can read the original letter here).

Q: What strikes you most when you revisit the letter? 

A: What strikes me most is how quickly 18 years flew by and the incredible positive impact it feels to be "seen" and acknowledged by a legend in Phi Tau.  I only had two years of experience being part of this Brotherhood in 2003 and I can only hope I am as enthusiastic today about our Fraternity as I was when Brother Green wrote this letter. 

Q: How did Leadership Academy influence your future as a leader within your chapter and the national fraternity?

A: Leadership Academy 2001 was the bridge that connected me to the National Fraternity. It was there that I was able to meet Brothers from all over the nation, including some of the most notable alumni volunteers and phriends of Phi Tau. The emphasis that was placed on the Creed, character development, and our ritual was instrumental in my own understanding of Phi Kappa Tau. And to see the founding sites on the beautiful campus of Miami University was a reflective experience. Upon my Academy graduation I immediately ran and was elected as the Membership Orientation Officer for my chapter and my volunteer service to Phi Kappa Tau has never ceased. 

Q: Did you have a strong understanding of the Phi Kappa Tau Foundation and its purpose while you were an undergraduate?

A: I did not. I didn't understand the separation of the Fraternity and Foundation and how they worked together and I certainly didn't think that I was able to give as an undergraduate. It wasn't until I was chosen to attend Leadership Academy with my chapter brother Mike Daher, that our Board of Governors said that there were funds available for travel from alumni! When I arrived at Academy, my name badge had a sponsor on the back: Brother John Cosgrove. 

Q: Why should someone give to the Phi Kappa Tau Foundation?

A: Not many people have the opportunity to have an immediate influence on a new generation of students. We have that opportunity with our own Brothers - some we may meet, and others who may only remember us as a Brother who believed in the future of Phi Kappa Tau. 2020 has impacted all of us - for some of our younger Brothers, they spent much of their last year of high school and their first year of college online. Being able to provide some financial support for them to attend fraternal events, help through a scholarship, or perhaps an emergency grant, is a rewarding experience - and to know it's tax deductible is the cherry on top.

The Phi Kappa Tau foundation and has made an impact on many men in its nearly 80 year history and will continue to do so for generations to come. As the end of he year approaches we encourage you to consider a gift to Phi Kappa Tau foundation. Who knows, you may just be helping out the next Ray Carlos. 

To give a gift to your chapter or the Brotherhood Fund go to phikappatau.org/give.

See below for the beginning excerpt of the letter mentioned in this article.

How To Prepare for Presidents Academy

Chapter Presidents and Volunteers at the 2020 Presidents Academy

Presidents Academy will take place January 7-9 in Fort Worth, Texas. This is the initial training for new chapter presidents to help them better understand their job functions and motivate their chapter in the coming year. It has been two years since Phi Kappa Tau has held a Presidents Academy, therefore some common questions have been coming up regarding the upcoming program. To address these, the Chapter Services Team has compiled the following FAQ list. It is broken up into: Reimbursement, Travel & Lodging, COVID, and Miscellaneous.

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Reimbursement

Q: How do I get reimbursed through our CEG? 

A: CEG reimbursement information can be found here.

Q: What do I do if I do not have a BOG to request the CEG Funds? 

A: If your chapter does not have a BOG, you can submit your CEG Request to the Executive offices for review and approval from the CEO.

Q: What if I my chapter does not have any available CEG funds? 

A: You can find out the funds in your CEG by asking your success manager. If you do not have funds available, we can work with you and your alumni on future fundraising for the fund. 

Q: What will I have to pay for out of my pocket? 

A: All travel expenses can be reimbursed through your chapter CEG. You may be expected to pay for your airfare, travel to and from airport, and any other costs associated with traveling to and from the program.  

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Travel and Lodging

Q: Is lodging provided? 

A: Lodging is provided. We will be staying at the Hilton in downtown Fort Worth, TX. The programming portion will also be at the Hilton.

Q: Which airport should I fly into? 

A: We recommend flying into Dallas Fort-Worth Airport.  

Q: Will there be a shuttle from the hotel? 

A: There is a train that operates from DFW Airport and drops off approximately one block away from the Hilton hotel.  

Q: Do I have my own room? 

A: Presidents will share a room with one other chapter president. You will have the ability to request individual rooms for an additional fee.  

Q: Are meals provided? 

A: Yes meals are included in registration.  

Q: Do I need to bring anything? 

A: We suggest you bring a laptop and a mask. We will provide writing tools as well as something to write on.  

Q: What is the dress code? 

A: The dress code will be business casual for Friday and Saturday (collared shirt, slacks, dress shoes) Sunday will be casual wear (jeans and letters, or the equivalent).

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COVID

Q: Will there be a Vaccine mandate? 

A: Yes if you are not vaccinated we ask you provide a negative COVID Test dated within 72 hours of the program.  

Do I need to show a negative COVID Test? 

A: If you are unvaccinated or have tested positive 2 weeks prior to the program. You will need to provide a negative COVID test,

Q: Do I need to wear a mask at the hotel? 

A: Yes. Masks will be required in all indoor public spaces, including main session rooms and breakout rooms.

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MISC.

Q: Is there a virtual option? 

A: We will not be offering a virtual option due to staffing and logistical limitations.   

Q: Can I send someone else if I am unable to attend? 

A: Yes! We encourage you to send a representative of your chapter if you as chapter president are unable to attend.  

Q: Will I have free time? 

A: There will be time to network and interact with other Chapter leaders from around the country.  

Q: Can I leave the event site? 

A: While the program is in session, we do not recommend leaving the program site. If you need to leave please talk to a member of staff.  

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If for any reason your questions were not answered through this FAQ please contact chapterservices@phikappatau.org.

Phi Kappa Tau Public Rituals Now More Accessible

New Member Receiving their Associate Pin

Phi Kappa Tau is pleased to announce that a redesigned version of the Public Ritual Handbook is now available and more easily accessible for members and those curious about learning more about the fraternity’s public ritual.  

Our current list of public rituals include: The Association Ceremony, Funeral Ceremony, Candlelight Ceremony, Founders Day reflections, Installation of Officers, and the various public rituals performed during a chapter meeting. Beyond providing this document as a resource for newly installed Associate Chapters, this newly revised document gives general members more access to the public rituals of Phi Kappa Tau. 

A full packet of all public rituals can be downloaded or you can download each individually. Each document comes with a brief overview of the ceremony as well as some preparation tips for how to best prepare for the ceremony. Our hope with having these more accessible and available through the home page of the national website that it will help create more transparency around public rituals and provide chapters with a valuable resource to ensure they are performing the various ceremonies correctly.  

The downloadable pdfs can be found by visiting phikappatau.org/public-rituals.  

"Here, Figure it Out" - Why Transition Matters

Alpha Chi Chapter at Mississippi State’s 2022 Executive Council

The ending of a semester can be a chaotic time. Seemingly endless expectations are placed upon members, from finals, to elections, to holiday functions. Papers are due, exams sneak up, and final responsibilities of being a chapter leader for that term come to a head. It is only understandable that it is tempting to focus on the finish line, those sweet moments of arriving home at the end of the semester, plopping on the couch, and turning your brain off for a couple of weeks. While understandable, all great chapter leaders know that their job isn’t done when their duty ceases.  

The true final responsibility comes in transitioning their replacement on the executive council. This then raises the question, “what is a successful transition?” A successful transition is not breathing down the neck of your successor nor is it handing over a binder of resources and saying “here, figure it out.” Mistakes are a part of the learning experience of being a chapter leader, but there is a difference between learning moments and flat out setting your next officer up for failure.  

There is no one answer to how to successfully transition, and if your chapter has never done it successfully before you may feel a bit lost. Therefore, it is the duty of the Executive Offices to help. Success Managers are offering transition workshops to aid executive councils at this critical moment. If you feel you may need assistance with your transition, regardless of what officer/role you are please contact your chapter’s success manager for help. 

The New Executive Council of Zeta Theta at University of North Texas

Success Managers cannot help if they don’t know who the new officers are, it is imperative that officer roles are updated on the Phi Kappa Tau Portal. For detailed instructions on how to complete this task we have developed a handy video guide along with other portal tutorials.  

Finally, for the new chapter presidents that are being elected, we encourage you to register for Presidents Academy as soon as you are elected. Registration is currently open, and there is no cost upon registration. Presidents Academy will give you the tools you need to begin your term and establish goals for your chapter.  

Transition goes beyond this year, or even your four or so years within your chapter, it is how consistently great organizations develop a culture of excellence. Every officer will experience difficulties during their term, but those shouldn’t come from the simple things. Don’t just hand over the gavel and move on, be the mentor you wish you had when starting your position.